As the novel coronavirus snaked its way across the globe, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in early February distributed 200 test kits it had produced to more than 100 public health labs run by states and counties nationwide.

The numbers continue to climb as the county investigates a COVID-19 cluster and confirm a resident of Chandler's Square, an Anacortes retirement community tested positive. As of Sunday, 34 cases have been confirmed in Skagit County, and five people have been hospitalized. But, still no deaths here.

 A resident of the Chandler’s Square Retirement Community in Anacortes has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual is hospitalized at Island Hospital and is expected to be released to stay with a family member, where they will remain in isolation. One additional resident is hospitalized and being evaluated.

Skagit County reports a slight increase in the number of coronavirus cases on Saturday, with the total at 28, with four people having been hospitalized. Still no deaths reported here. This follows the report that the county is investigating a cluster of recently confirmed COVID-19 cases that has been traced to a group meeting of approximately 60 people in early March.

Skagit County Public Health is investigating a cluster of recently confirmed COVID-19 cases that has been traced to a group meeting of approximately 60 people in early March. Case investigation indicates that more than half of attendees who were at this gathering are now confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19. 

Washington state and at least eight other states are offering their uninsured residents another opportunity to sign up for a health plan this year as they seek new ways to fight the novel coronavirus pandemic.